Arkema to Construct Bio-based Polyamide 11 Powders Plant in China

 Arkema announces the construction of a polyamide 11 powders plant on its Changshu platform in China, scheduled to come on stream in the first quarter of 2023. This investment will further support the growing demand for advanced bio-circular materials in Asia.

Efficient PA11 Powder Production

Rilsan® polyamide 11 powders, currently produced in France entirely from renewable castor beans, are recognized for their superior properties and performance in terms of toughness, durability, lightweight, and processing versatility. They are used in very demanding applications and provide innovative solutions for fast-growing markets driven by megatrends such as durable home appliances, energy-efficient transport, and advanced additive manufacturing (3D printing) primarily for consumer, industrial, and aerospace markets.

Beyond the bio-based nature of the powder, this project will also contribute to Arkema’s ambitious sustainability commitments by using highly efficient manufacturing processes and by being physically closer to the new amino 11 plant in Singapore.

“We are very excited about this expansion. It is strong and growing demand in Asia across all of our key powders markets and this added capacity will enable us to supply the region from within the region,” Erwoan Pezron, senior vice president, high-performance polymers.

This expansion goes hand in hand with the Group’s major polyamide 11 plant currently under construction in Singapore, which is on track to start production in mid-2022, and is included in the €450 million exceptional capital expenditure envelope dedicated to polyamide expansion in Asia.

Source: Arkema